Song: That's Why I Was Born (a-side) (b-side is Moonlit Sea)
Label: Prep F 123 (Capitol subsidiary)
Number: 45-21768
Songwriters: Merritt-Roddie
Time: 2:07
Released: 1957
I have sad news to relate about my search for Janice Harper. She's still alive, but has been in a New York nursing home for 3 years with Alzheimer's. I don't know what else to say except to post an e-mail I received this morning, (August 22nd, 2009) from one of her relatives. Here is that message in it's entirety:
Update: The same relative which e-mailed said that I wasn't supposed to tell anybody else. Obviously, this person doesn't know what I'm doing here by posting facts about my favorite artists, and that I'm doing it for the fans of these same artists. But, she asked me take down her actual words and the things she had told me. I informed her that most of what she told me was already known by me and my readers through various fans telling me some of the information and me finding the rest on the internet. So, I will remove her e-mail, but you already knew Janice was in a home. Now, pretend you don't know that she has a relative in Florida and a son in England. I was told by this relative that the information she sent me was privileged information for my eyes only. That relative doesn't have to tell me or her fans that Janice was a beautiful person. We already knew that. And we already knew about all her belongings being auctioned off on the street, so that wasn't news. So, as I told the relative, the only thing I would be removing that wasn't already known by me and my readers here, by taking down her e-mail was that Janice had a relative in Florida and a son in England. Since I have removed the personal e-mail, pretend I didn't tell you that and that you don't know that I did. This relative wouldn't even tell me their name!
The relative's e-mail has now been removed, but we fans can still care about one of our idols. And now, back to the regularly scheduled post.
I don't know what else I can add but to say that her music will live on as long as her fans continue playing it. This probably won't be my last post featuring Janice Harper's music, but I don't know that I will be be able to update her life story any further. Please download this powerful song of hers that displays her amazing range and talent. Janice Harper singing That's Why I Was Born is a great way to get acquainted with this lady who possessed the remarkable voice. This is for you, Janice.
10 comments:
What a lovely gesture on your part, Kenny, to let the world know what has happened to Janice. Somehow in the midst of this devastating disease, I'm sure the angels have let Janice know that she is not alone in her journey and many, many fans/friends are thinking of her and walking by her side in loving hearts and thoughts. Bless you!
Linda Kozic
Great tune! And sad news, a bit hard to put together this nic pic of the lady and these news...
I am happy you are back too, with the quality of yr posts...
Ravel, Montreal, Qc
Hi Kenny: The strict request from that FL. relative is nothing new. Janice Harper comes from a very strange/disfunctional family. Her sister, who is 15 yrs. younger lives on Long Island, along with sev. nieces and nephews. Her mother, still living at 97 yrs. old is also in a n. home with ALZ. Her son who lives in England never visits his mother. Her sister is her only visitor and is only allowed to visit for 15 mins. (strict orders placed by the son). Janice was secretly tossed away to a far away snake pit, just like her possesions at the flea market.
Hi Kenny: That secretive relative who wrote to you about her cousin Janice Harper is not from FL. This cousin is Vivian Pisscher (Pisser)from North Carolina. She used Florida to throw everybody off. She loved kissing Janice's butt when she was a success, but has turned her back on Janice, along with all the other relatives. Remember everybody: "What goes around, comes around."
I found out that she is in a nursing home in Rockaway and am planning to go visit her, if the nursing home lets, maybe next week, I am from brooklyn and a huge fan.
I went to visit Janice today it was a pitty to see her in the state she is in; what a talent with a huge voice; She actually tried to sing for me; she is still alive but not well. today is June the 7th 2011, she is in a Far Rockaway nursing home, visitors are welcome.
Thank you for sharing that information for all her fans. I'm sure she would be glad to know that she is still fondly remembered.
Hello All,
My name is Laura Kitchens. I am Janice's granddaughter. I used to spend every summer with my grandmother in Manhattan until my father told me I couldn't go visit anymore. I did not know that she was in a nursing home until my senior year of high school when I tried to send her a valentines day card with my photos and it came back two months later saying she no longer lived at that address. Since then I have often wondered about my grandma and how she was doing. My cousins in Long Island are the only people on the side of the family I have ever had contact with other than my grandma and they too wonder where she is. If you all have any information on where I can find my grandmother, or anything that happened during any of your visits with her, I would greatly appreciate it. My email address is laura.kitchens@gmail.com
I miss my grandmother very much and have wondered for the past 2 years if she was even alive or not. Thank you all for your posts. It is good to know that she is still alive, even if not doing the best. I know she would really appreciate all of the love and support you all have provided on here.
I am Jean Ferrelli,the relatives on Long Island that Laura speaks of. Laura and my Aunt Janice spent weeks with my family in the summer , they would take the train from Manhatten and visit with us. I plan of going to see my Aunt this week, I too wondered where she was and of her condition. I am happy that i stumbled onto your page , thank you
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